NZAMI - the New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment - is the professional association for New Zealand migration advisors and the people who use their services. Potential migrants to New Zealand will find on our website useful information about New Zealand immigration policy, contacts for supportive settlement services, and a directory of specialist immigration advisers. Immigration and re-settlement support professionals who join NZAMI receive professional development, up to the minute information about migration and resettlement issues, a network of peers, and a shared Code of Ethics.

FAQ

If you have a question, look for the Category that matches it and read the questions under that Category. If you do not find the answer to your question, go to the 'Contact NZAMI' tab and type in your inquiry.

About NZAMI

Question: What is NZAMI?

Answer.

The New Zealand Association for Migration & Investment (NZAMI) is a not-for-profit professional association for immigration advisers, immigration lawyers and anyone with an interest in migration to New Zealand. Its main purpose is to support its members and build professionalism in the industry.

NZAMI is the largest worldwide body of it's kind and has been established for over 26 years.

Question: Why should I use a NZAMI member as an adviser?

Answer.

Licenced advisers or immigration lawyers become NZAMI members for professional reasons. NZAMI offers support and benefits to members, as well as regular seminars, webinars and workshops which ensure that members are up to date with policy & therefore well prepared to handle your application.

Contacting NZAMI Members

Question: How do I contact a NZAMI member?

Answer.

Go to the 'Find an adviser' page on the NZAMI website and use the search functions to find the contact details of an adviser who you feel will suit your requirements. If you know the name of the adviser, type it in the 'Find an Adviser by Name' slot.

Question: Is XXXXXX a member of NZAMI?

Answer.

Question: How can I find an adviser who speaks my language?

Answer.

Use the search facility on the NZAMI website and select your language from the pull down list.

Question: How do I find an adviser in my area?

Answer.

Use the search facility on the NZAMI website and select your location from the pull down list.

NZAMI Membership

Question: What are the benefits of becoming a NZAMI member?

Answer.

NZAMI represents the largest worldwide body of immigration advisers, immigration lawyers and associated organisations in New Zealand. We have dialogue with, and make submissions to, Immigration New Zealand and the Immigration Advisers Authority in the areas of policy and procedures. Membership provides you with a constant stream of support information, relevant CPD programmes, opportunities to interact with fellow professionals and be involved in the adviser community.

Question: How do I become a NZAMI member?

Answer.

Read the requirements for membership and download the application form from our website. Fill out the form and post it to The Secretary with the application fee. The entire application process takes approximately 3 business weeks to complete. Please contact the Secretary directly if you are unsure or have any questions.

Question: Will my application fee be refunded if I am refused membership?

Answer.

No, the application fee is non-refundable.

Question: If I am not a NZAMI member, can I attend NZAMI seminars, webinars and workshops?

Answer.

Yes, however, non-member fees to attend are higher for all CPD events, so there is a good financial incentive to join NZAMI.

Workshops are very popular and also run in smaller groups. Because of this format NZAMI members will be offered places on Workshops first and only if there are any places available after that time will these be open to non-members to attend.

IAA & Adviser Licensing

Question: What is the IAA and how is it related to NZAMI?

Answer.

The IAA is the Immigration Advisers Authority, a government organisation set up within the Department of Labour to regulate immigration advisers. It does not regulate advice given by people who are exempt from licensing e.g. lawyers (solicitors) who are regulated by The Law Society.

The NZAMI is an independent association and is not controlled by any government agency. Until the IAA was created the NZAMI was the major body controlling the actions of immigration advisers.

Although NZAMI members & directors were instrumental in pushing for the licencing of advisers & cooperated in the formation of the IAA systems & procedures, there is no formal connection between the two organisations.

Question: How do I make a complaint about a NZAMI member?

Answer.

If the member is a licensed adviser then you should direct your complaint to the IAA.

If the member is a lawyer, you should direct your complaint to the Law Society.

If the member is operating off-shore and is not yet a licensed adviser then you should direct your complaint to NZAMI. This applies until May 2010, after which all off-shore advisers must be licensed.

Students may apply for a provisional immigration adviser licence once they have completed and passed Courses A and B of the Graduate Certificate in New Zealand Immigration Advice or Courses 1-4 of the Graduate Diploma in New Zealand Immigration Advice, and must have an approved supervision arrangement.

You can become a Student Member of NZAMI in order to attend seminars, join a networking group and become invloved in the immigration community at the NZAMI member rate whilst you are completing your studies.